As you enter through the wrought iron gates at Venetian Pool, you are immersed in a different era; into times past where the whimsical, romantic approach to architecture prevailed. In 1922, the pool was designed by Coral Gables' founding father, George Merrick; together with his uncle and artist Denman Fink and architect Phineas Paist.
As you gaze across the aquamarine free-form coral rock lagoon, sunlight shimmers on the water cascading from the twenty five foot tall coral rock cliff. You sense the tranquility of this unique facility; the melodious rhythm of the cascades, and the serenity of the emerald pool soothes you. The twin three-story observation towers comprised of coral rock, brick & stucco with graceful arching doorways & balconies are the primary focus at your vantage point on the front stone walkway.
Tropical foliage abounds: a blaze of fuchsia bougainvillea, elegant birds of paradise, and coconut palms galore. Entering into the West Tower you'll notice the cashier's desk with admission, rental & photo shoot fees posted. Looking upward the pecky cypress stairway winds to the lifeguards in-residence apartment, a private area.
The rotunda room adjacent to the West Tower contains a fountain, (previously a goldfish tank) and pictures chronicling the rich history of the pool. Scrutinizing the pictures reveals the 20's flapper era costumes donned by the bathing beauties; 
William Jennings Bryan who frequently extolled the virtues of Coral Gables; as well as the Miami Grand Opera performing in a drained Venetian Pool, and the Paul Whiteman's band entertaining in the half drained pool. A startling photo reveals that there was once a high-diving platform atop the twenty five foot high coral rock waterfall, where divers could literally take their life into their hands diving into the eight foot deep pool.
One can also catch a glimpse of the original rock quarry which comprises Venetian Pool; much of the coral rock is now recovered in the form of stately homes along Coral Way.
A vintage mermaid gracefully lounges in the pool beneath the small 
cascade, as well as a modern-day mermaid afloat for the grand re-opening after the restoration in 1989. Approximately $3.5 million was spent to rehabilitate the aging pool (built in 1922) and now it more closely resembles the original design and has some added appealing features.
Descending steps through a large archway door, the pergola with it's allamanda vine festooned with bright yellow flowers catches the eye. Hand painted Italian tiles adorn the exit doors from the East & West Towers, as well as the patio fountain.
Gazing across the two foot deep wading pool, the tropical charm of the coconut palm fringed island commands your attention. To the right, a stone and brick bridge adjoins the
East Tower with the island.
The two towers serve as anchors to the loggia, an expansive veranda containing parlour palms and pecky cypress beams hand-painted by Miami artisans.
Stepping up to the loggia, reveals the adjoining patio featuring another fountain and the huge planters containing shade trees. Stately royal palms and birds of paradise enhance the tropical ambiance.
The Venetian Pool Caf is located adjacent to the patio.
At night the venetian lanterns positioned throughout the pool, and the numerous sconces as well as underwater lights illuminate the facility in a romantic glow. 
The old-world charm of the Venetian Pool is never more evident than in the evening when shadows interplay with moonlight to dapple the waters with iridescent sparkle
Continuing past the loggia and through the bottom of the East Tower archway, more hand painted pecky cypress beams and a stairway to the Manager's Office are revealed.
Upon reaching the bridge we can now perceive the full impact of this 850,000 gallon spring fed lagoon. Fresh water is pumped daily from the 
Biscayne aquifer to fill the pool with refreshing 76 - 78 degree water, then returned at night to the aquifer via deep injection well. The submerged cavern grotto beckons with tales of enigmatic interludes.
The small stepped cascade is ensconced with lacy ferns, and swaying coconut palms.
The large cascade shelters a small ledge where swimmers can rest and peer past the streaming water into the heart of the pool.
Adjacent to the shallow four foot section of the pool, is a beach, bordered by a red brick walk-way. 
At one time, this was a "kiddie" pool, but lacking good circulation it was transformed into a white sand beach. Beyond the beach a stone path winds around behind a huge old ficus tree, and atop the cavern for a close view of the small waterfall. The whisper, then roar of the two cascades echoes in the coral rock as you position yourself between them.
Finally, the path ends at the large waterfall, and you feel the fine mist providing a refreshing lift to our skin, and hear the creaking and rustling of the shifting stand of huge bamboo behind the falls.
The pool emanates an ineffable aura of history, charm and effulgent beauty that draws people from around the world.
Venetian Pool is truly an oasis of tranquility amid the tumultuous megalopolis of Miami.
